Stabat Mater

Vox Anima Chamber Choir's first concert of 2025 features the major work Stabat Mater by Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen.

This beautiful fresh setting of the 13th-Century Latin hymn text Stabat Mater dolorosa depicts the deep sorrow of the Virgin Mary witnessing the crucifixion of her Son. The traditional text is enriched by two additional poems - What are Children to the Lord?, written by a child hospitalised with cancer and her nurse, and a new poem by Euan Tait titled A Mother's Prayer.  

The composer writes: "Like Mary, some parents' lives consist of overwhelming joy and immense sorrow. No joy compares to creating life, and no pain compares to seeing that life taken too soon. Stabat Mater has room for deep reflection, profound sorrow, and hope."

This concert at St Luke's Church, Tunbridge Wells (TN4 9JH) is promoted by Friends of the Vox. Entry is free, with a suggested donation of £15.